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Possibility of methane conversion into heavier hydrocarbons using nanosecond lasers
H A Navid1, E Irani2, R Sadighi-Bonabi2
1Department of laser and Optical Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, Iran; Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box 11365-9567, Tehran, Iran.
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Nanosecond lasers efficiently dissociate methane, producing acetylene. The 355 nm wavelength shows the lowest energy consumption for this crucial chemical conversion.
Area of Science:
- Laser-induced chemistry
- Plasma physics
- Chemical kinetics
Background:
- Methane dissociation is a key process in hydrocarbon chemistry.
- Understanding energy pathways in methane conversion is critical for efficient chemical synthesis.
- Laser-based methods offer precise control over chemical reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the effect of nanosecond lasers on methane dissociation.
- To determine the energy consumption for acetylene production at different laser wavelengths.
- To theoretically explore the reaction mechanisms involved in methane conversion.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study of methane dissociation using nanosecond lasers at 248 nm, 355 nm, and 532 nm.
- Measurement of acetylene (C2H2) generation as a primary reaction product.
- Theoretical investigation of conversion mechanisms, including ion-molecule reactions.
Main Results:
- Acetylene (C2H2) was identified as a major product of methane dissociation.
- Energy consumption for C2H2 production varied significantly with wavelength: 3.1 MJ/mol (532 nm), 5.8 MJ/mol (355 nm), and 69.0 MJ/mol (248 nm).
- Theoretical calculations incorporating ion-molecule reactions accurately explained experimental observations.
Conclusions:
- Nanosecond laser irradiation is effective for methane dissociation.
- Laser wavelength significantly impacts the energy efficiency of acetylene production.
- Including ion-molecule reactions in theoretical models is essential for understanding methane conversion pathways.
